Animal garment

ABSTRACT

A new and improved animal garment for contacting various acupressure points of its wearer. In other aspects of the invention, there is provided a new and improved animal garment with an elastic or adjustable collar, an elastic or adjustable belly flap, an elastic or adjustable lumbar band, and means for securing the garment to the wearer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an animal garment and more particularlyto an animal garment which selectively applies pressure to known animalacupressure points to control the behavior of the animal.

The use of acupressure on humans can be traced to the practitioners oftraditional Chinese medicine in ancient China. Traditional Chinesemedicine has been relied upon by doctors to diagnose disease and treatillness in ancient China. This practice of medicine evolved as anextension of contemporary lifestyle in the third and fourth centuriesB.C. As the practitioners of ancient China studied the world aroundthem, they discerned connections between major forces in nature andspecific internal organ systems of animals. Based on perceivedsimilarities between the natural elements and the body, thesepractitioners developed a concept of health care that encompassed bothsystems.

Using all of their senses, practitioners of traditional Chinese medicineused the interwoven systems to both diagnose and treat illnesses. Inorder to do this, traditional Chinese medicine utilized herb therapy,food therapy, acupressure and massage techniques in all diagnosis andtreatment.

In keeping with the interwoven relation of bodily systems, acupressuremeridians channel energy in courses beneath the surface of the skin toconnect the circulation, lymphatic, muscular, and nervous systems into anetwork that connects all parts of the body. Along each course, thereare highly reactive points (acupressure points) that serve as relayswitches to access the Chi energy that flows through the power linesthat are the meridian. Just as each meridian is associated with aninternal organ, the acupressure points provide surface access to theorgan systems.

While there are other recognized tools of alternative medicine that arein accord with the bioethical principals of this new approach toimproving animals' health and well being, much improvement is needed andwill be achieved when certain bioethical principles that constitute therights of animals become part of the heart and moral fabric of society.These principals are: right breeding (to avoid harmful hereditarydiseases); right socialization and rearing; right handling andunderstanding; and right environment and nutrition. Acupressure isadjunctive and complementary to these bioethical principles. Acupressureis not a panacea, but it can play a vital role in helping animals copewith chronic degenerative diseases, during convalescence from some acutedisease or surgery, and work through all sorts of anxiety baseddisorders.

Scientific research into the nervous system and how it operates nowconfirms that both humans and animals have a nervous system whichincludes neurons or nerve cells interconnected with the brain in anetwork resembling a telephone system with trillions of miles ofcomplicated wiring along which small electrical signals travel.Communication with the brain also has been demonstrated on a cellularbasis which either partially explains or supplements the nervecommunication system of the body. Every cell has many ligand receptors.The receptors may be of many different kinds. The receptors basicallyfunction as sensing molecules. The receptors operate through bound aminoacids and attached ligands to communicate cell to cell throughout thebody. These ligands may be neurotransmitters, steroids or peptides.Peptides make up the majority of ligands in the body, and regulate mostlife processes. Peptides have been found in all areas of the body, andpeptides generated in one part of the body are free to travel throughthe blood and cerebrospinal fluid to bind to receptors on cells in adifferent part of the body. Receptors are most concentrated in the partsof the body where the five senses receive stimuli, in what are callednodal points. The nodal points are designed to be accessed or modulatedby almost all known peptides in order to prioritize or bias theinformation to be passed to the cell. Physical stimuli can cause a cellto secrete a certain peptide that travels to the brain to bind with itsreceptor in a way that begets a specific emotional response. Theopposite is also true: peptides produced in the brain can travelthroughout the body and bind with cells in a way that begets a specificphysiological response. What has been found suggests that peptides serveto weave the body's organs and systems into a single web that reacts toboth internal and external environmental changes with complex and subtlyorchestrated responses. When these receptors receive a message, theybegin any number of activities. These activities can translate intolarge changes in behavior, physical activities or even mood swings inboth humans and animals. While prior to 1960, all brain functions werebelieved to be determined by synaptic connections between billions ofneurons, now, it is believed that information exchange also occurs on apurely chemical, non-synaptic communication between cells and that allof the organs of the body are actually joined to each other in abidirectional network of communication linked by information carriersknown as neuropeptides. However the exact methods of communication thebody utilizes still remains a mystery.

The term “acupressure” is used herein to refer to the use of physicalstimuli in the form of pressure on these receptors or acupressure pointsand utilizing both the neuron and neuropeptide communication system tocontrol or to alter or to modify behavior in animals. The term“behavior” is used herein to refer to the actions of an animal, asdistinguished from emotion. The term “emotion” is used to refer tofeelings, sensations, thoughts, drives, tendencies, etc., such as anger,fear, sadness, joy, contentment, pain, hunger, thirst and the like. Suchemotion is distinguished from behavior such as barking, biting,enhancement of the immune system and reactional behavior from fear andanxiety.

In recent years, acupressure has been utilized to deal with all sorts ofanimals: dogs, cats, horses, orangutans, hamsters, snow leopards,elephants, alligators, cockatoos, lamas, cheetahs, etc. Recently,practitioners have been using acupressure techniques to help animalswith several problems. It aids recovery from injury, reduces stress,calms reactions to loud noises, tones down aggressive or fearfulbehavior, reduces shock, helps overcome whelping difficulty, reducesfear biting, reduces stiffness, and accomplishes relaxation for animalstraining for animal companion therapy in rest homes and hospitals andthe like.

Conventionally, acupressure techniques are administered ad hoc by aperson trained in the acupressure concepts of traditional Chinesemedicine, or by a person knowledgeable about the locations of thevarious meridians and their relative pressure points. While personaladministration of the techniques provide several benefits, such benefitsare not exclusive to personal administration of the techniques. Thesebenefits may be realized whenever the pressure points or receptors arecontacted in a meaningful way. A drawback to personal administration ofthe techniques is that the treatment requires a considerable timecommitment to change behavior. In the event that the pressure points maybe contacted continuously for short periods of time, the treated animalexperiences the beneficial effects in changing habitual behavior. Suchcontinuous contact is not practical by personal administration of thetechniques, but is possible to achieve with items placed on the animalpositioned in relation to various meridians and their respectivepressure points. This is especially so when such items provide anoptimum amount of pressure to the pressure points or receptors foraccessing and positively affecting the Chi energy of the animal. Anexample of an item that is both possible and practical for this purposeis a specially designed garment.

It is therefore highly desirable to provide a new and improved animalgarment with which animals of all kinds may be treated in accordancewith the traditional medicinal concepts of acupressure.

It is also highly desirable to provide a new and improved animal garmentwhich is utilized for applying pressure to various acupressure points orreceptors on the animal when worn. It is also highly desirable toprovide a new and improved animal garment which can be utilized toprovide pressure to various acupressure points or receptors on theanimal with various amounts of pressure when worn. It is also highlydesirable to provide a new and improved animal garment for reducingsymptoms of stress. It is also highly desirable to provide a new andimproved animal garment which can be used to enhance recovery frominjury by altering an animal's behavior. It is also highly desirable toprovide a new and improved animal garment which can be utilized to calman animal's reaction to loud noises. It is also highly desirable toprovide a new and improved animal garment which can be utilized toreduce aggressive or fearful animal behavior. It is also highlydesirable to provide a new and improved animal garment which can beutilized to reduce shock behavior. It is also highly desirable toprovide a new and improved animal garment which can be utilized toreduce fear biting. It is also highly desirable to provide a new andimproved animal garment which can be utilized to reduce the stress andanxiety of animal training. It is also highly desirable to provide a newand improved animal garment which can be utilized to reduce the stressand anxiety associated with physical treatment. It is highly desirableto provide a new and improved animal garment which can be utilized toreduce all sorts of behavior. Finally it is highly desirable to providea new and improved animal garment which can be utilized to change animalbehavior in all of the above instances.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a new and improvedanimal garment with which animals of all kinds may be treated inaccordance with the traditional medicinal concepts of acupressure.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a new and improvedanimal garment which is utilized for applying pressure to variousacupressure points or receptors on the animal when worn.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a new and improvedanimal garment which can be utilized to provide pressure to variousacupressure points or receptors on the animal with various amounts ofpressure when worn.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a new and improvedanimal garment for reducing symptoms of stress.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a new and improvedanimal garment which can be used to enhance recovery from injury byaltering an animal's behavior or enhancing the immune system.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a new and improvedanimal garment which can be utilized to reduce an animal's reaction toloud noises.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a new and improvedanimal garment which can be utilized to reduce aggressive or fearfulanimal behavior.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a new and improvedanimal garment which can be utilized to reduce shock behavior.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a new and improvedanimal garment which can be utilized to reduce fear biting.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a new and improvedanimal garment which can be utilized to reduce the stress and anxiety ofanimal training.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a new and improvedanimal garment which can be utilized to reduce the stress and anxietyassociated with physical treatment.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a new and improvedanimal garment which can be utilized to reduce all sorts of behavior.

It is finally an object of the invention to provide a new and improvedanimal garment which can be utilized to change animal behavior in all ofthe above instances.

In the broader aspects of the invention, there is provided a new andimproved animal garment for contacting various acupressure points of itswearer. In other aspects of the invention, there is provided a new andimproved animal garment with an elastic or adjustable collar, an elasticor adjustable belly flap, an elastic or adjustable lumbar band, andmeans for securing the garment to the wearer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above mentioned and other features and objects of the invention andthe manner of attaining them will become more apparent and the inventionitself will be better understood by reference to the followingdescription of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a new and improved animal garments asworn by a wearer;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a new and improved animal garmentshowing a plurality of constrictors and two tail flaps for applyingvarying degrees of pressure to various acupressure points;

FIG. 3A is a fragmentary side view of a belly flap constrictor of thenew and improved animal garment having a hook and eye mechanism as meansfor removably connecting the distal end of the belly flap to themid-section of the garment;

FIG. 3B is a fragmentary side view of a belly flap constrictor of thenew and improved animal garment having buttons as a means for removablyconnecting the distal end of the belly flap to the mid-section of thegarment;

FIG. 3C is a fragmentary side view of a belly flap constrictor of thenew and improved animal garment having snaps as a means for removablyconnecting the distal end of the belly flap to the mid-section of thegarment;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of the neck opening of the newand improved animal garment defined by an elastic band constrictor;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of the neck opening of the newand improved animal garment having a string-type adjustable constrictoradjacent to the neck opening;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side view of an elastic band constrictor locatedabout the rear end of the garment;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary side view of a string-type adjustableconstrictor about the rear end of the garment;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the new and improved animal garment having aneck constrictor, belly flap constrictor, and a rear end constrictor;

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the new and improved animal garment having aplurality of elastic bands secured to the sheet material at the interiorof the belly portion of the garment;

FIG. 10 is a rear view of the new and improved animal garment showing atail flap connected to slots on horizontally opposite sides of the rearopening;

FIG. 11 is a rear view of the new and improved animal garment showing aY-shaped tail flap connected to slots on vertically opposite sides ofthe rear opening;

FIG. 12 is a layout view of one version of the new and improved animalgarment in which the neck opening and the mid-section of the garment maybe opened for ease in putting on and taking off the garment by theremovable connection of various distal flaps;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the new and improved animal garment of FIG. 12in closed form;

FIG. 14 is an internal view of the wearer of the new and improved animalgarment showing various acupressure meridians;

FIG. 15 is a partial view of an animal having a face wrap of theinvention positioned around its neck, forehead and muzzle; and

FIG. 16 is a planar view of the face wrap of the invention illustratedin FIG. 15.

DESCRIPTION OF A SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the new and improved animal garment of thepresent invention. These figures show an animal garment 10 that is puton the wearer 12 like a pull-over shirt, and that substantially conformsto the torso 14 of the wearer 12, extending generally from the neck andshoulders 16 of the wearer 12 to the hind-quarters 18 of the wearer andgenerally covering the chest 20, mid-section 22 and lumbar areas 24 ofthe wearer 12 (see FIG. 1). In a specific embodiment, the garment mayalso generally cover the head 26 (see FIG. 1) or one of the legs 28 ofthe wearer (see FIG. 1). In other specific embodiments, the garment maygenerally cover all or portions of the legs 28 and/or feet 30 of thewearer.

In order to conform to the torso of the wearer, the garment 10 ismanufactured of a resiliently expandable and flexible sheet material 32.Along the length of the garment 10 is one or a series of constrictorsgenerally positioned over known acupressure points of the wearer. Eachconstrictor may have application to a plurality of acupressure points,or may be specifically located to apply pressure to a specificacupressure point. The resiliently expandable and flexible sheetmaterial 32 of which the garment 10 is manufactured may have aresiliency or spring constant such that the sheet material itself actsas a general constrictor of several acupressure points by applying a lowlevel of pressure to the portions of the body of the wearer 12 coveredby the garment 10. Other constrictors may employ the use of resilientlyexpandable and flexible bands, strings, cords, pads and any othermaterial or device that may be incorporated into the garment that may beused to focus pressure to a specific area of the wearer of the garment.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a new and improved animal garment 10 is shownwith a neck opening 38, front leg openings 40 and a rear opening 42. Inthe garment of the present invention, the neck opening at the front end44 of the garment 10 contains at least one constrictor for applying adesired amount of pressure to known acupressure points in the neck orshoulder area of the wearer and at least one constrictor for applying adesired amount of pressure to known acupressure points in the chest areaof the wearer. In a specific embodiment, these constrictors may comprisethe resiliently expandable sheet material of the garment 10 as a generalconstrictor for applying a low level of pressure. In other specificembodiments, the neck and chest area constrictors may instead oradditionally comprise an elastic band 48 of desirable width for applyinga higher level of pressure. In yet other specific embodiments, the neckand chest area constrictors may instead or additionally be adjustable.The adjustable constrictor shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 7 comprise astring-type adjustable constrictor 50 in which an elastic or staticstring, cord, or rope 51 is connected to the garment 10 adjacent to theneck opening 38 or in the chest area, which string, cord, or rope 51 mayfixably and adjustably constrict the neck opening 38 by means of aslipknot, sliding lock appliance 52 or any other mechanism or means foradjustably fixing the amount of constriction of this string-typeadjustable constrictor 50 around the neck or chest for applying a stillhigher level of pressure. The word “elastic” as used herein is meant atleast resiliently expandable and flexible. The word “static” as usedherein refers to relatively non-expandable chord or filament structures.

Referring now to FIG. 4, in a specific embodiment, the neck opening 38is defined by an elastic band 48 connected to the garment 10. Referringnow to FIG. 5, in other specific embodiments, the girth of the neckopening 38 may be constrictably adjusted by an adjustable constrictoradjacent to the neck opening 38. In a specific embodiment, theadjustable constrictor is an elastic or a static string-type constrictor50. In yet other specific embodiments, the constrictors about the neckopening comprise an elastic band 48 and a string-type constrictorconnected adjacent to or overlaying each other.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, in another version of the garment 10,the adjustable constrictor comprises two distal flaps 53, 54 contiguouswith the front end 44 of the garment 10 with means 56 for adjustably andremovably connecting the distal flaps 53, 54 to define the neck opening38 and to apply a desired amount of pressure to known acupressure pointsin the neck or shoulder area 16 of the wearer 12. The removableconnection 56 of the distal flaps 53, 54 enables a person putting thegarment 10 on the wearer 12 to open the garment at the neck opening 38for ease in accomplishing this task. In other specific embodiments, theremovable connection 56 of the distal flaps 53, 54 also completes anelastic band 48 secured adjacent to the neck opening 38 of the garment10.

Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, a new and improved animal garment 10is shown with a constrictor 62 positioned at the mid-section 58 of thegarment for applying a desired amount of pressure to acupressure pointsin the belly 60 and mid-section area 22 of the wearer 12. In a specificembodiment, the mid-section constrictor 62 comprises a belly flap 64manufactured of a resiliently expandable and flexible sheet material 32,having one end 66 connected to one side of the mid-section 58 of thegarment and a distal end 68 that is stretched and adjustably positionedacross the belly 60 of the wearer, the distal end 68 of the belly flap64 being removably connected to the opposite side of the mid-section ofthe garment 10 from the connected end 66.

In the specific embodiments of the invention, any aspect that requiresor permits the removable connection 56 of distal ends, distal flaps, orany other element described herein as being removably connected,achieving removable connection is accomplished by use of one or a seriesof discrete fasteners. Examples of such fasteners include dualhook-and-eye mechanisms 72 such as Velcro®, buttons and button holes 74,snaps 76, zippers, pins, safety pins, and adhesive strips. FIGS. 3A-3Cshow various means for achieving removable connection of the distal end68 of a belly flap constrictor 64.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show a specific embodiment in which the connected end 66of the belly flap 64 is a contiguous portion of the garment 10 such thatdisconnection of the distal end 68 of the belly flap opens the garmentfrom one end to the other end for ease of putting the garment on thewearer 12.

In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the constrictor 62 about the mid-section ofthe wearer comprises resiliently expandable and flexible bands 48constrictably connected to the portion of the garment covering the belly60 of the wearer 12 such that when the band 48 is in a neutral or an atrest state with respect to stretching, the sheet material 32 at themid-section of the garment to which the band is connected containsmultiple folds and wrinkles 70.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, a new and improved animal garment 10 mayhave various types of constrictors at the rear end 86 for applyingvarious degrees of pressure to the wearer in the lumbar area 24 of thewearer. The constrictors about the rear end may comprise the sheetmaterial 32 for applying a low level of pressure, an elastic band 48 ofdesirable width for applying a higher level of pressure, and/or anadjustable constrictor, such as a string-type adjustable constrictor 50,for applying up to a still higher level of pressure. In a specificembodiment, the rear end constrictors comprise an elastic band 48 and astring-type adjustable constrictor 50 connected adjacent to oroverlaying each other.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the garment 10 has a static band 48 connectedadjacent to the rear opening 42. In other specific embodiments, anelastic band 48 and/or an adjustable string type constrictor 50 arepositioned adjacent to or overlaying each other at the rear opening 42.In other specific embodiments, a lumbar portion 90 of the garment 10extends outwardly from the rear opening 42 longitudinally of themid-section 58 of the garment. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, this lumbarportion 90 has a strip 112 secured to garment 10 adjacent to rearopening 42 defining a plurality of slots 92 positioned circumferentiallyaround it, and one or more resiliently expandable and flexible tail flap94 adjustably and removably connected to slots 92 on horizontallyopposite sides 96 of the rear opening 42. See FIGS. 2 and 10. These tailflaps 94 may be connected (1) to secure the position of the garment 10about the hind-quarters area 18 of the wearer 12, (2) to apply a desiredamount of pressure to acupressure points in the hind-quarters area 18 ofthe wearer 12, (3) to restrict movement of the tail by arranging each ofthe flaps 94 about the tail of the wearer 12, or (4) any combination of(1) through (3). In the embodiment of FIG. 11, the tail flap 94 may beadjustably and removably connected to the slots 92 in the lumbar portionon vertically opposite sides 98 of the rear opening 42 such that thetail flap 94 extends between the rear legs of the wearer to attach toslots 92 at the top of the lumbar portion 90.

The amount of pressure applied by the tail flap 94 can be adjustablydetermined by utilizing elastic band 48 adjacent the rear opening 42 andelastic straps in constructing the tail flap 94. By choosing differentelasticity constants of the band 48 and the strap 94 and theadjustability of the tightness of the band, a variety of amounts ofpressure can be applied by the tail flap 94.

The animal garment 10 of the invention can also apply varying amounts ofpressure to localized acupressure points as desired.

In addition to the desired levels of pressure than can be applied by theresiliency of the garment 10 and the resiliency of the bands 48 and thechords 51, pressure may be applied to specific acupressure points 36 bythe use of either static or elastic or magnetic pads 114. See FIGS. 1,5, 6, 15 and 16. These pads are shown in the form of cylindrical discsof either static or elastic material sewn, adhesively or otherwiseattached to the inside of the garment 10. These pads 114 may be of avariety of thicknesses and may have elastic constants of a wide range soas to apply the correct pressure in combination with the elastic orstatic nature of the garment 10 and various strengths of a magneticfield where desired at a specific acupressure point 36. Pads 114 canalso be utilized in combination with the bands 48 and the string-typeadjustable constrictors 50 by laying the bands 48 and string-typeconstrictors 50 over the pads 114. Each of the garments 10 will bedesigned to have the proper bands 48, constrictors 50 and pads 114strategically placed in accordance with the anatomy of the animal wearer12 to accomplish specific purposes desired in accordance with theinvention.

In operation, the animal garment 10 of FIG. 1 is designed to applydesired levels of pressure to known acupressure points 36 along knownacupressure meridians of the wearer. Each meridian has a multitude ofacupressure points or receptors 36 between their opposite ends. In aspecific embodiment, the animal garment applies a desired amount ofpressure to known pressure points or receptors along the GoverningVessel acupressure meridian 100 of the wearer. In other specificembodiments, the animal garment applies a desired amount of pressure toknown pressure points or receptors along the Bladder acupressuremeridian 102 of the wearer. In other specific embodiments, the animalgarment applies a desired amount of pressure to known pressure points orreceptors along the Liver acupressure meridian 104 of the wearer. Inother specific embodiments, the animal garment applies a desired amountof pressure to known pressure points or receptors along the ConceptionVessel acupressure meridian 106 of the wearer. In other specificembodiments, the animal garment applies a desired amount of pressure toknown pressure points or receptors along the Gall Bladder acupressuremeridian 108 of the wearer. In other specific embodiments, the animalgarment applies a desired amount of pressure to known pressure points orreceptors along the Stomach acupressure meridian 110 of the wearer.

Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, the animal garment 10 of the inventionmay also be a face wrap 116. Face wrap 116 includes a single continuouslength of an elastic band 126 as shown in FIG. 16 together with aforehead band 118. The forehead band 118 includes opposite ends 120 and122 which are wrapped around band 116 and secured to the forehead band118 at 124. The securance of the forehead band 118 at 124 may be bystitching, or any of the fasteners above described such as hook and eyemechanisms, buttons, snaps, zippers, pins, adhesive strips and the like.In a specific embodiment, both band 126 and band 118 may be provided inthe form of any of the above described constrictors. In a specificembodiment, elastic band 126 of the face strap 116 shown in FIG. 16 hasone-half of its length having a width which is twice the width of theother half of the band 126. This allows for the band to fit all sizes ofanimals.

Referring to FIG. 2, the animal garment of the invention may also be asleeve of resiliently expandable and flexible sheet material into whicha leg of the animal may be positioned. In a specific embodiment, thissleeve may be separate from another garment 10 as shown in FIG. 1 or maybe secured to the leg openings 40 or the rear opening 42 of the bodygarments 10 shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 12 and 13.

In the operation of the animal garment 10 of the present invention, eachconstrictor 48, 50, 62, 114 or any combination thereof, is chosen inaccordance with the amount of pressure that is desired to be applied inthe specific area of the wearer. In a specific embodiment, a low amountof pressure is generally applied by resiliently expandable and flexiblesheet material 32 of the garments 10. In other specific embodiments, ahigher amount of pressure is applied by adjustably stretching theresiliently expandable and flexible sheet material across a portion ofthe wearer as with constrictor 62 either in the form of gatheredmaterial or a belly flap as disclosed above, and removably fixing theposition of the stretched material. In other specific embodiments, anelastic or static band 48 comprising a resiliently expandable andflexible material is used as a constrictor to apply a still higheramount of pressure. In other specific embodiments, an adjustableconstrictor 50 is used to apply a still higher amount of pressure to thewearer. A string-type adjustable constrictor 50 applies the still higheramount of pressure when the constriction of the string, cord, or rope 51is adjustably and fixably set by a slipknot, sliding lock appliance 52,or other mechanism or device for fixably setting the constriction isutilized. In other specific embodiments, the string type adjustableconstrictor 50 is manufactured of a resiliently expandable and flexibleor static material for applying still higher amounts of pressure to thewearer. In still other specific embodiments, pads 114 of differentstatic or elastic materials of differing thickness may be used inconjunction with the garment 10 to apply various amounts of pressure tospecific acupressure points as desired. Pads 114 may be overlaid withconstrictors 48, 50 or 62.

The band 104 is positioned over the animal's muzzle, around the animal'sneck. If desired, the forehead band may be secured to the face wrap 116by the looped ends 120, 122 as shown in FIG. 15 and positioned over theforehead as shown in FIG. 16. By means of a resiliently expandable band104 or one or more of the constrictors 48, 50, 62, 114 above described,various amounts of pressure may be supplied to the acupressure points orreceptors located in the neck, muzzle and forehead areas as desired.

The new and approved animal garment of the invention provides an animalgarment with which animals of all kinds may be treated in accordancewith the traditional medicinal concepts of acupressure. Treatment ofanimals by use of the animal garment may help reduce symptoms of stress.Treatment of animals with the animal garment is also useful to enhancethe recovery of the animal from injury. The new and improved animalgarment may also be used to reduce an animal's reaction to loud noises.The new and improved animal garment may also be used to reduceaggressive or fearful behavior in an animal being treated with theanimal garment. Treatment with the animal garment can also be helpful inreducing shock experienced by the animal being treated. Anothertreatment of animals with the animal garment helps to reduce whelpingdifficulty. The new and improved animal garment can also be utilized totreat animals in order to reduce fear biting. The new and approvedanimal garment can be used to reduce the stress of animal training.Treatment with the new and improved animal garment can also be utilizedto reduce the anxiety associated with other physical treatments ofanimals. The new and improved animal garment may also be utilized toreduce all sorts of anxiety behavior in animals. The new and improvedanimal garment provides all of these features and can be utilized toimprove animal behavior and health in all of the above instances.

While a specific embodiment of the invention has been shown anddescribed herein for purposes of illustration, the protection affordedby any patent which may issue upon this application is not strictlylimited to the disclosed embodiment; but rather extends to allstructures and arrangements which fall fairly within the scope of theclaims which are appended hereto:

What is claimed is:
 1. An animal garment having one or more constrictorsand at least one of a static pad, an elastic pad and a magnetic padconnected to an inside surface of the garment, each said constrictorbeing positioned over known acupressure points of the wearer, saidconstrictors being adjustable to apply a desired amount of pressure tosaid acupressure points thereby to reduce anxiety behavior in thewearer, said garment is manufactured of a resiliently expandable andflexible sheet material, said garment applying a low level of pressureto said wearer, and wherein said constrictors comprise a resilientlyexpandable and flexible collar band defining a neck opening to saidgarment adjacent to one end thereof, said collar band applying a higheramount of pressure to said wearer in said neck opening area, and anadjustable and flexible neck constrictor connected to said garmentadjacent to said collar band, said neck constrictor applying a stillhigher amount of pressure adjacent to said neck opening if desired,whereby an appropriate amount of pressure can be applied to variousknown acupressure points in the neck or shoulder area of the wearer. 2.The animal garment of claim 1 wherein said neck constrictor isresiliently expandable.
 3. An animal garment having one or moreconstrictors and at least one of a static pad, an elastic pad and amagnetic pad connected to an inside surface of the garment, each saidconstrictor being positioned over known acupressure points of thewearer, said constrictors being adjustable to apply a desired amount ofpressure to said acupressure points thereby to reduce anxiety behaviorin the wearer, said garment is manufactured of a resiliently expandableand flexible sheet material, said garment applying a low level ofpressure to said wearer, said garment having a mid section, and whereinsaid constrictors comprise a flexible belly flap portion connected tosaid mid section, said belly flap being adjustably positioned in orderto apply higher amounts of pressure to various acupressure points in thetorso and mid-section area of the wearer.
 4. An animal garment havingone or more constrictors, each said constrictor being positioned overknown acupressure points of the wearer, said constrictors beingadjustable to apply a desired amount of pressure to said acupressurepoints thereby to reduce anxiety behavior in the wearer, said garment ismanufactured of a resiliently expandable and flexible sheet material,said garment applying a low level of pressure to said wearer, andwherein said constrictors comprise a resiliently expandable and flexiblelumbar band defining a rear opening area in said garment, said lumbarband adjacent to one end thereof, said lumbar band applying a higheramount of pressure to said wearer in said rear opening area, and anadjustable and flexible lumbar constrictor connected to said garmentadjacent to said lumbar band, said lumbar constrictor applying a stillhigher amount of pressure adjacent to said rear opening if desiredwhereby an appropriate amount of pressure can be applied to variousacupressure points in the lumbar area of the wearer.
 5. The animalgarment of claim 4 wherein said lumber constrictor is resilientlyexpandable.
 6. The animal garment of claim 4 wherein said constrictorsadditionally comprise a resiliently expandable and flexible lumbarportion secured to said lumbar band extending outwardly from said rearopening longitudinally of said lumbar band, said lumbar portion having aplurality of slots positioned circumferentially around said lumbarportion, and a flexible tail flap having first and second ends whereineach of said first and second ends are removably connected to one ofsaid slots respectively on opposite sides of said rear opening, saidtail flap applying a higher amount of pressure to said wearer in thehind-quarters area of said wearer.
 7. The animal garment of claim 6wherein said tail flap is resiliently expandable.
 8. The animal garmentof claim 1 further comprising a pad secured to the interior of saidgarment whereby pressure may be applied over the surface area of saidpad.
 9. The animal garment of claim 1 wherein said garment furthercomprising a resiliently expandable sleeve of flexible material in whichone of the legs of the animal can be positioned.
 10. An animal garmentcomprising a torso portion having a mid-section, a neck opening, twofront leg openings, and a rear opening, said torso portion beingmanufactured of a resiliently expandable and flexible sheet material, aflexible collar band encircling said neck opening, an adjustable andflexible neck constrictor connected to said torso portion adjacent tosaid collar band, a resilient belly flap portion connected to saidmid-section, a flexible lumbar band encircling said rear opening, anadjustable and flexible lumbar constrictor connected to said torsoportion adjacent to said lumbar band, a flexible lumbar portion securedto said lumbar band and extending outwardly from said rear openinglongitudinally of said mid-section, said lumbar portion having aplurality of slots positioned circumferentially around said lumbarportion, and a flexible tail flap having first and second ends, each ofsaid first and second ends being removably connected to one of saidslots in said lumbar portion respectively on opposite sides of said rearopening, wherein said collar band, said neck constrictor, said bellyflap portion, said lumbar band, said lumbar constrictor, and said tailflap are positioned in order to apply an appropriate amount of pressureto various known acupressure points of the wearer.
 11. The animalgarment of claim 10 wherein said collar band and said neck constrictorapply pressure to various pressure points along the Governing Vesselacupressure meridian of the wearer.
 12. The animal garment of claim 10wherein said belly flap portion applies pressure to various pressurepoints along the Bladder acupressure meridian of the wearer.
 13. Theanimal garment of claim 10 wherein said belly flap portion appliespressure to various pressure points along the Liver acupressure meridianof the wearer.
 14. The animal garment of claim 10 wherein said bellyflap portion applies pressure to various pressure points along theConception Vessel acupressure meridian of the wearer.
 15. The animalgarment of claim 10 wherein said lumbar band and said lumbar constrictorapply pressure to various pressure points along the Bladder acupressuremeridian of the wearer.
 16. The animal garment of claim 10 wherein saidlumbar band and said lumbar constrictor apply pressure to variouspressure points along the Gall Bladder acupressure meridian of thewearer.
 17. The animal garment of claim 10 wherein said lumbar band andsaid lumbar constrictor apply pressure to various pressure points alongthe Stomach acupressure meridian of the wearer.
 18. The animal garmentof claim 10 wherein said neck constrictor comprises a resilientlyexpandable and flexible string piece sewn into said torso portion, and ameans for adjusting the tension of said string piece for applyingpressure to various acupressure points in the neck or shoulder area ofthe wearer.
 19. The animal garment of claim 18 wherein said means foradjusting the tension of said string piece comprises a slip knot tiedaround said string piece.
 20. The animal garment of claim 18 whereinsaid means for adjusting the tension of said string piece comprises asliding lock appliance.
 21. The animal garment of claim 10 wherein saidbelly flap portion comprises a resiliently expandable and flexible flaphaving a connected end and an unconnected distal end, said connected endbeing secured to said mid-section, said distal end having a means forremovably connecting said distal end to said mid-section at variouspositions along the circumference of said mid-section, the tension ofsaid belly flap about said mid-section being adjustable in relation tothe distance between the position of said connected end and the variableposition of the removable connection of said distal end of said bellyflap portion.
 22. The animal garment of claim 21 wherein said means forremovably connecting said distal end comprises a dual hook-and-eyemechanism, one part of said mechanism being connected to said distalend, and several opposing parts of said mechanism being connected tovarious positions along the circumference of said mid-section.
 23. Theanimal garment of claim 21 wherein said means for removably connectingsaid distal end comprises a plurality of discrete fasteners.
 24. Theanimal garment of claim 23 wherein said discrete fasteners comprisemechanisms selected from the group consisting of buttons, snaps,zippers, pins, safety pins, and adhesive strips.
 25. The animal garmentof claim 10 wherein said lumbar constrictor comprises a resilientlyexpandable and flexible string piece sewn into said torso portion, and ameans for adjusting the tension of said string piece for applyingpressure to various acupressure points about the lumbar area of thewearer.
 26. The animal garment of claim 25 wherein said means foradjusting the tension of said string piece comprises a slip knot tiedaround said string piece.
 27. The animal garment of claim 25 whereinsaid means for adjusting the tension of said string piece comprises asliding lock appliance.
 28. The animal garment of claim 10 wherein eachof said collar band, said neck constrictor, said belly flap portion,said lumbar band, said lumbar constrictor and said tail flap are eachresiliently expandable and the amount of pressure applied by each to thevarious acupressure points of the wearer is dependent upon and selectedin accordance with the resiliency constant of the material comprisingeach such element.
 29. The animal garment of claim 10 further comprisinga pad secured to the interior of said garment whereby pressure may beapplied over the surface area of said pad.
 30. An animal garmentcomprising a torso portion having a neck opening, two front legopenings, a mid-section, and a rear opening, said garment beingmanufactured of a resiliently expandable and flexible sheet material,said garment applying a low level of pressure to said wearer, a flexiblecollar band defining said neck opening adjacent to one end of saidgarment, said collar band applying a higher amount of pressure to saidwearer in said neck opening area, an adjustable and flexible neckconstrictor connected to said garment adjacent to said collar band, saidneck constrictor applying a still higher amount of pressure adjacent tosaid neck opening, a flexible belly flap portion connected to saidmid-section, said belly flap applying a higher amount of pressure tosaid wearer in said mid-section area of the wearer, a flexible lumbarband defining said rear opening, said lumbar band being adjacent to theopposite end of said garment from said neck opening, said lumbar bandapplying a higher amount of pressure to said wearer in said rear openingarea, an adjustable and flexible lumbar constrictor connected to saidgarment adjacent to said lumbar band, said lumbar constrictor applying astill higher amount of pressure adjacent to said rear opening in thelumbar area of the wearer, a flexible lumbar portion secured to saidlumbar band extending outwardly from said rear opening longitudinally ofsaid lumbar band, said lumbar portion having a plurality of slotspositioned circumferentially around said lumbar portion, and a flexibletail flap having first and second ends wherein each of said first andsecond ends are removably connected to one of said slots respectively onopposite sides of said rear opening, said tail flap applying a higheramount of pressure to said wearer in the hind quarters area of saidwearer, whereby said collar band, said neck constrictor, said belly flapportion, said lumbar band, said lumbar constrictor, and said tail flapare positioned in order to apply a desired amount of pressure to variousknown acupressure points of the wearer.
 31. The animal garment of claim29 wherein said neck constrictor comprises first and second distal flapscontiguous with said collar band, said distal flaps having a means forremovably and adjustably connecting to each other comprising a pluralityof discrete fasteners selected from the group consisting of dualhook-and-eye mechanisms, buttons, snaps, zippers, pins, safety pins, andadhesive strips, whereby the disconnection of said distal flaps openssaid garment at said neck opening.
 32. The animal garment of claim 29wherein said belly flap comprises a contiguous extension from saidmid-section having a distal end, said distal end having a means forremovably and adjustably connecting to said torso portion comprising aplurality of discrete fasteners selected from the group consisting ofdual hook-and-eye mechanisms, buttons, snaps, zippers, pins, safetypins, and adhesive strips, whereby the disconnection of said distal endfrom said torso portion opens said garment from said torso portion tosaid rear opening.
 33. The animal garment of claim 30 wherein each ofsaid collar band, said neck constrictor, said belly flap portion, saidlumbar band, said lumbar constrictor and said tail flap are eachresiliently expandable and the amount of pressure applied by each to thevarious acupressure points of the wearer is dependent upon and selectedin accordance with the resiliency constant of the material comprisingeach such element.
 34. The animal garment of claim 30 further comprisinga pad secured to the interior of said garment whereby pressure may beapplied over the surface area of said pad.